Tag: Interview Questions

Have you ever been in an interview and found that the interviewer was asking very similar questions over and over again? The questions may sound different, but in fact, what the person is asking is essentially the same.

This is why consistency, clarity, and integrity are an important part of your job interview. Interviewers are often seeking to understand a personal fully, and to listen to any inconsistencies.

For example, if you said you left an employer for better employment opportunities (very general answer), yet you bring up a conflict with your manager in your interview, you’ll be sure that the interviewer will pick up on this. They will then ask more questions that will come back around to finding the real answer. Interviewers know that people are going to give the best answers they can in an interview, but when asking a question repeatedly it generally makes the interviewee drop their defenses and get to a more honest answer.

Consider this, if you were asked a question and then were repeatedly asked to dig deeper, how would you respond? What happens is that you are given a chance to really think about your answer as you reflect on the reasons behind your actions. This is where consistency, clarity and integrity come into play.

It’s actually a great topic to think about prior to your interview. You can ask yourself questions such as:

What do I stand for?

What are my values?

What’s really important to me?

Then, when you start your interview you can have a clear direction and focus for your answers. As the person digs deeper, they shouldn’t get a different answer because your first answer will be in alignment with your integrity.

Many interviews consist of the same questions. You’ll find that most employers use these serious of questions, not because they aren’t creative enough to think of new ones, but simply because they work – and they tell a lot about the candidate. The good thing for you, the interviewee, is that you can practice, rehearse, and have a good sense of what you will say when one of these questions is asked.

Here are some of the most frequently asked interview questions:

Tell me about yourself.

This is an opportunity to make your lasting first impression. Be sure to practice what to say here, and be able to sum up your skills, history, and experience in 2-3 minutes. You want to showcase your value right up front, keep to relevant information, and pique the interest of your interviewer.

Why did you leave your last job?

Always remember to evaluate your answers as if you were on the receiving end. What type of reasons would you want to hire someone from another company? If you heard about an argument with a co-workers or a disagreement – would that raise a red flag? Now what if you heard about downsizing or changing for a different career opportunity?

What are your strengths/weaknesses?

When asked about your strengths, here is another chance for you to shine. Think about what isn’t easily conveyed in your resume and cover letter and what adds to qualifying you for this position. As for your weaknesses, it’s okay to have a weakness, but if it doesn’t effect your ability to complete the job – even better!

Why do you want this job?

Share why you are a good fit for this job, and how your skills and experience match their requirements. If you like the company, product or service, be sure to mention that as well.

What are your career goals/where do you see yourself in five years?

Companies would like to know where you really see yourself – do you want to be in leadership, management, or another position? Be sure to think about longevity and loyalty with the company and avoid answers that would appear as if you had no plans on staying with the company for 5 years.

What are your salary requirements?

Hold off on answering this question for as long as possible. This is something to address at a later time when you are closer to getting the job offer.

Do you have any questions for me?

Make sure you’ve always done your research on the company, product and/or service. The more you know about the company, the more it shows your potential employer that you are interested, you care, and you are willing to do your homework.

During an interview, one of the most impressive things a candidate can do is to ask great questions. Asking questions shows that you have taken the time to think about the interview and to consider what it would be like to work for the company. Here are five questions to ask your future employer.

1. What are the typical challenges a person in this position has faced? This question will give you a chance to use your own skills and strengths as a way to show your value for the position.

2. Do you have any concerns about hiring me today? This is ultimately a closing question, but it presents the opportunity for you to address any concerns and to see where you stand in the interview process.

3. What do you enjoy the most about your job/position/company? This can be great insider information to see if you are a good fit for the company and if you’d enjoy similar aspects.

4. Where do you see this company/industry going in five years? This can show your standing power and interest in a long-term career path.

5. What are the career paths of this position/department? Again, this is another way to let your interviewee know you are serious about the future and advancement within the company.

Regardless of who your future employer is, they all want to know that the candidate is just as interested in them, as they are in you! Be curious and go into your interviews with a seeker’s mentality – find out all that you can about your potential new employer.